Sassafraz Yorkville

Inside a sunny yellow row house, seat cushions the colour of pearls line walls that are decked in ivy. The plants seem incongruous to the crisp, elegant scheme of the dining room, which is also surprising against the Victorian exterior—but Sassafraz specializes in intriguing juxtaposition. The Yorkville restaurant pairs French and Canadian culinary schools to create a menu of health-conscious, inventive plates by the same "opposites attract" philosophy as the decor, pairing ingredients such as Itsumo tuna and purple potatoes, or Ontario beets and chèvre croquettes. Their preparation requires an extensive amount of forethought, and chefs often reach beyond the kitchen for premium ingredients. Their resources range from hormone-free ranches and hand-foraged plots of wild mushrooms to cheese-makers who age their cheddar for eight years, instead of simply throwing it eight birthday parties in one day.

Sassafraz's alluring design and complex eats have attracted several famous personalities. According to the Globe and Mail—which labels the restaurant "prime celebrity stalking ground"—past visitors have included Matt Damon, Daniel Craig, and Isabella Rossellini. Despite its knack for hosting glamorous clientele, the staff prefers to remain grounded in wholesome cooking and community efforts. For example, at the chic yet casual S-Cafe Bar, patrons can order a Hibis-Kiss to have $5 of the cost donated to the MS Society of Canada.

The Gist

Tips

91% of 1,635 customers recommend

“We enjoyed an absolutely perfect meal in this gorgeous setting! The executive chef Geoff Webb has created some amazingly flavourful dishes. The service was excellent...”

“We enjoyed an absolutely perfect meal in this gorgeous setting! The executive chef Geoff Webb has created some amazingly flavourful dishes. The service was excellent and the food delicious- we will definitely be returning! ”